Understanding Grace | FAQ on the Five Points of Calvinism

The Five Points of Calvinism, often summarized by the acronym TULIP, are Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. These doctrines explain how God graciously saves His people according to Scripture.

Total Depravity teaches that because of the Fall, humanity is dead in sin and completely unable to move toward God on our own. We are not merely sick but spiritually dead, requiring divine intervention to be saved.

No. Total Depravity means every part of our being is affected by sin, not that we are as wicked as possible. It emphasizes our inability to seek or please God without His grace.

Unconditional Election means that God chooses His people for salvation not based on anything they have done or would do, but solely out of His mercy and purpose. It is grounded in His steadfast love and covenant promises.

Election is not unfair because all people deserve judgment. It is not injustice when God chooses to show mercy to some; it is grace. As Romans 9 teaches, salvation depends not on human effort, but on God who shows mercy.

Limited Atonement (better called Definite or Intentional Atonement) means that Jesus died specifically for His people, effectively saving all those the Father had given to Him. His atoning work perfectly accomplished salvation for them.

Yes — but “world” often refers to people from all nations, not every individual without exception. Scripture teaches that Christ ransomed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, not that He universally saved all humanity.

Irresistible Grace refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing a person to faith. When God calls His people by His Word and Spirit, He gives them new hearts so that they willingly and joyfully trust in Christ.

Outwardly, people resist God's commands all the time. But when God effectually calls someone by His Spirit, His grace overcomes their rebellion, and they come to Christ freely and joyfully.

Perseverance of the Saints teaches that those truly saved by God will continue in faith until the end. God guards and keeps His people by His power, and no one can snatch them out of His hand.

No. Believers may experience struggles, doubts, and sin. However, because salvation is God's work, He sustains and restores His people, ensuring their final salvation through His grace.

They assure believers that salvation is all of God's grace from beginning to end. Knowing that God saves, keeps, and perfects His people gives deep assurance, humility, gratitude, and motivation to live for His glory.